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ucsd_ucla_dad · 07-05-2008, 01:12 PM

That's way too much government involvement in social engineering to 'some' people's idea of 'the way things should be'. Do you happen to have a large family that can't fit into a Prius? Too bad. Do you happen to have a need for a pickup truck or van for your business use? Too bad, you have to now pay more. Do you use a heavier vehicle to tow a trailer, boat, camper, horses? Too bad, you have to pay more and subsidize those driving uneconomical vehicles. What do I mean by uneconomical vehicles? I mean the Priuses (that Toyota has purportedly lost a lot of money on by their own subsidation of the car) and other hybrids and upcoming electrics subsidized through various tax credits. GM is already campaigning heavily to get the government to offer tax incentives to purchasers of the Volt since it'll likely cost more than planned to build it.

Let people buy what they want. They're already paying the higher price for lower mpg vehicles in the form of having to buy more gas. People are already incented to buy more economical vehicles hence the SUVs just sitting on lots and small cars difficult to find right now. Furthermore, let the hybrids and electric vehicles stand on their own economically. Technology will improve and at some point these vehicles will be truly economically viable. The hybrid is probably almost there already with the fuel cost differential (i.e. people are willing to pay the extra cost without tax incentives and the manufacturer can make a profit).

Like 'Washdad' stated, why not tax air conditioners, plasma TVs, more than 3 light bulbs in a house, water heaters over 25 gallons, etc.?

07-05-2008, 01:12 PM	#3
ucsd_ucla_dad Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: San Diego area Posts: 2,729	That's way too much government involvement in social engineering to 'some' people's idea of 'the way things should be'. Do you happen to have a large family that can't fit into a Prius? Too bad. Do you happen to have a need for a pickup truck or van for your business use? Too bad, you have to now pay more. Do you use a heavier vehicle to tow a trailer, boat, camper, horses? Too bad, you have to pay more and subsidize those driving uneconomical vehicles. What do I mean by uneconomical vehicles? I mean the Priuses (that Toyota has purportedly lost a lot of money on by their own subsidation of the car) and other hybrids and upcoming electrics subsidized through various tax credits. GM is already campaigning heavily to get the government to offer tax incentives to purchasers of the Volt since it'll likely cost more than planned to build it. Let people buy what they want. They're already paying the higher price for lower mpg vehicles in the form of having to buy more gas. People are already incented to buy more economical vehicles hence the SUVs just sitting on lots and small cars difficult to find right now. Furthermore, let the hybrids and electric vehicles stand on their own economically. Technology will improve and at some point these vehicles will be truly economically viable. The hybrid is probably almost there already with the fuel cost differential (i.e. people are willing to pay the extra cost without tax incentives and the manufacturer can make a profit). Like 'Washdad' stated, why not tax air conditioners, plasma TVs, more than 3 light bulbs in a house, water heaters over 25 gallons, etc.? Last edited by ucsd_ucla_dad; 07-05-2008 at 01:19 PM.
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